Phnom Penh: Mr. Thor Chetha, the Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, has called upon the United States to extend specialized cooperation in the realm of meteorology, particularly in the domains of weather forecasting and early warnings to vulnerable populations, enabling them to prepare adequately in advance.

This appeal was made during a meeting between Mr. Thor Chetha and Mr. Patrick Murphy, the US Ambassador to Cambodia, held on Monday morning, March 11, 2024, at the Ministry headquarters.

Minister Thor Chetha underscored that the purpose of his request was to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, thereby reducing economic losses, and to facilitate training programs for officials from the Department of Meteorology and the Department of Hydrology and River Work in the fields of meteorology and hydrology.

Expressing gratitude, the Minister commended the US Government's consistent support towards Cambodia's economic construction and development, particularly in the water resources sector, which plays a pivotal role in driving national economic growth.

Highlighting the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology's dual mandate, Minister Thor Chetha emphasized its responsibilities encompassing water management for various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and general livelihoods, alongside meteorological forecasting to provide timely weather advisories.

Furthermore, he reiterated the Ministry's commitment to infrastructure development and water resource management, aiming to ensure water security, resilience to climate change, and catalyze economic growth and poverty alleviation, particularly by empowering farmers and enhancing their daily livelihoods.

In response, Mr. Patrick Murphy expressed gratitude to the Minister for the opportunity to engage in discussions and emphasized the importance of fostering friendship and partnership to further Cambodia's objectives of peace, stability, and development within the framework of its independence and national sovereignty.